January Marks National Human Trafficking Prevention Month
January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. With your help, The Salvation Army will continue to change lives and offer support for those healing and recovering from this modern-day form of slavery.
The Salvation Army’s “Leading Individuals Gracefully Out of Human Trafficking” program works to heal the physical, emotional, and spiritual wounds victims confront while breaking free of trafficking right here in Western PA.
Based in Pittsburgh, victims receive comprehensive case management services, with support in securing housing, clothing, furniture, and the emotional, moral, and spiritual support they need on this journey forward in healing. More recently, the program implemented a new aspect of support through a brand-new housing program.
Since May 2019, The LIGHT Project has assisted 32 human trafficking victims in Western Pennsylvania:
23 adult females, 1 minor female, 8 adult males
21 sex trafficking, 11 labor trafficking
1 minor sex trafficking victim
Here is what one woman shared about her experience with The Salvation Army Western PA Division’s LIGHT Project:
“When I met with Sarah (Medina, LIGHT Project Director), she told me The Salvation Army was ready to do everything possible to support me - they were like a family to me. I was a single mom experiencing many problems with the father of my child. My English was not so good, and I was living alone with a little baby. I didn’t have a car, I didn't work, and I didn’t have friends or family here. The Salvation Army assisted me with housing, covering my rent for several months. Sarah went above and beyond, assisting me with other personal matters, and I'm very grateful to The Salvation Army for their care and support.”
You can help by donating to support the LIGHT Project today! Visit salvationarmywpa.org/givehope to give any amount.
Contact:
Stephanie Rex, Director of Marketing and Public Relations
The Salvation Army Western Pennsylvania Division
Email | Office: (412) 446-1642 | Cell: (412) 463-2942